Dinner in white in Cuba

[oliverdst]

Dinner in white in Cuba: French picnic and American atmosphere

 

 

Guests at the "Dinner in White", in the gardens of the Hotel Nacional, April 6, 2019 in Havana, Cuba / AFP

"Dress all in white, the atmosphere, the champagne, the glitter, I love!": Like Kay Barns, coming from Florida, hundreds of Americans participated Saturday night at the first White Dinner of Cuba, a giant picnic good chic good kind of French inspiration.

Ignoring the diplomatic tensions between Havana and Washington, the event was held in the gardens overlooking the sea of the Hotel Nacional, the iconic resort of Ava Gardner, Frank Sinatra or Marlon Brando.

Tradition requires, the place had been kept secret until the last minute.

Extravagant outfits, masks and feathered hats were out for this orchestra-led dinner, which was attended by about 500 people, including 80% Americans and about 70 Cubans.

 

 

Guests at the "Dinner in White" in the gardens of the Hotel Nacional, April 6, 2019 in Havana, Cuba / AFP

"Look how beautiful it is, a sea of colors, a sea of nationalities, all gathered here in Cuba, what a wonderful symbol of unity," rejoiced Kay, sporting a wreath of white feathers.

Aged 43, she is almost a professional of the Dinner in White, which she attended Saturday at the 47th edition.

- 90 dinners in the world -

Because this picnic from France is now an international success, organized in 90 cities including New York, Bangkok or Sydney.

 

 

François Pasquier, creator of the "Dinner in White", and guests in the gardens of the Hotel Nacional, on April 6, 2019 in Havana, Cuba / AFP

"The dinner in white is born from a lack of space in my garden," AFP François Pasquier, who came to Cuba specifically for the occasion, told AFP.

It was he who, in 1988, had the idea to invite his friends to picnic in the Bois de Boulogne, on the outskirts of Paris, with instructions to dress in white so that everyone can find yourself easily. Over the years, the number of guests has continued to swell, the notoriety of the event too.

Then his son Aymeric, also in Havana Saturday night, launched the international adventure, first in Montreal in 2009 and then in New York in 2012.

 

 

Guests at the "Dinner in White" in the gardens of the Hotel Nacional, April 6, 2019 in Havana, Cuba / AFP

"It was a success and a lot of people wanted to do the same thing, so we decided to help them, rather than trying to organize blank dinners around the world, and give them the right to use the brand. ", become a franchise, he says.

But Cuba offered an additional difficulty, because the target audience was essentially the Americans, who are not allowed to go as simple tourists on the communist island.

- "Nose to History" -

 

 

Guests at the "Dinner in White", in the gardens of the Hotel Nacional, April 6, 2019 in Havana, Cuba / AFP

To enter the categories of American travelers allowed to come, the guests had to participate in music or dance workshops, as part of their stay, the travel agency offering all-inclusive packages at rates of around $ 1,000.

Given the specificity of the island, this time they did not have to bring tables, folding chairs or dishes, or to cook, but chose between different paying menus.

 

 

Guests at the "Dinner in White" in the gardens of the Hotel Nacional, April 6, 2019 in Havana, Cuba / AFP

Originally scheduled for late November 2018, the White Dinner had to be postponed after many cancellations by Americans, cooled by the Washington speech, which recently tightened its embargo against Cuba, in force since 1962, and threatens new sanctions.

This time, they were there to wave their white towel in the air, the signal that traditionally kicks off dinner.

"There is a majority of Americans here, which is even more fun because they are historical symbols that come together, France, the United States, the Cubans themselves, everyone sitting at the table. same table, all in white: it is a beautiful symbol and a nice nose of History ", confides Aymeric Pasquier.

 

 

Guests at the "Dinner in White", in the gardens of the Hotel Nacional, April 6, 2019 in Havana, Cuba / AFP

Among the few Cubans present at the dinner, Maricela Alvaro, 56, came with eight family members and says she is "fascinated" by the event: "It's wonderful!"

Even if the rates were reduced for the locals, she says that "it was a sacrifice of the whole family so that one can participate", in this country where the average wage is 30 dollars per month, and regrets not not have put more original outfit, "like foreigners".

But she is delighted to see this mix between Cubans and Americans: "We must build the future, not live in the past."

[oliverdst]

I love the "cuban" flag in the picture 4 

original link 

https://www.la-croix.com/Culture/Diner-blanc-Cuba-pique-nique-francais-ambiance-americaine-2019-04-07-1301013973

google translation

[BeerPimp]

I didn't know selfie sticks were still a thing.

[Habana Mike]

1 hour ago, BeerPimp said:

I didn't know selfie sticks were still a thing.

As long as there are selfies, there shall be selfie sticks!